Toyota Avalon Travels Back in Time

What do you guys think about these new retro kitsch Toyota Avalon commercials? They are part Mad Men, part vintage advertising, and part stepford wife creepy.

At first i thought they totally missed their mark, trying to be vintage but not going far enough with the aesthetic, lighting or film stocks, but the more i see them, and think about the two of them as a campaign rather than individual spots i get the kitsch factor much more and kinda really like them. I also like the idea of travel as a luxury rather than a given or a right, it's a nice change of perception. thoughts? Mr. Sandman bring me a dream?

AT&T Whisks us Into a World of Imagination

How can you not look up when this sweet lullaby from Gene WIlder and our childhoods breaks through TV noise? The first time it aired i was glued to the TV, smile on my face, ecstatic that someone was using the charming soundtrack from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and intrigued by the childish drawings that sprung to life, waiting attentively for the punch line - the brand.

AT&T. I was shocked and a bit disappointed at first it didnt seem to fit but i guess that was their intention, to begin to change the perception of the brand. I'm excited to see what comes next.

The new spot is part of the "Re-think Possible" campaign via BBDO, directed by Peter Thwaites.

For those who are feeling the impulse to watch the Willy Wonka scene, here it is!

Bansky Documentary Exit Through the Gift Shop

Street Art fans rejoice -Exit Through the Gift Shop, a look inside the life of art on the streets has opened in select cities, making it's way to Boston's Kendall Square Theater next week.

for those interested check out this review, some interesting insight into the film, Bansky and street art.

Meet Birdman's Tattoos

Jerry Pyle over at Pictures in a Row sent me this spec project of his that I couldn't help but share. Just in time for the NBA playoffs Chris "Birdman" Andersen's tattoos come to life to talk about the excitement of the post season.

I think it's the beginning of something great - can't you see an action adventure animated series featuring these guys? It could be a great cast of characters - good stuff Jerry!

here is some more of the REAL Birdman talking about his tats for those who are interested in the inspiration.

The Pacific Opening Credit Sequence

Have you been watching The Pacific on HBO? If so you can't help but be amazed at the gorgeous opening title sequence. Sketches transition seamlessly into black and white photographs and dust from breaking charcoal shards elegantly portray shrapnel and explosions in the sand.

Below is the animatic from director Steve Fuller for Imaginary forces that won the job.

The Pacific Opening Credits from Steve Fuller on Vimeo.

You can check out the finished product here on the Imaginary Forces website.

The Viral Factory's Solar Controlled Earth Hour Countdown

Earth Hour is upon us once again. This Saturday the 27th residents and businesses around the world will shut off for an hour in an act to conserve energy and unite in awareness of the energy crisis world wide.

The Viral Factory produced and created a light sensitive or interactive stop motion animation with music from Hot Chip for the occasion.

The version on the Earth Hour site senses the light level via your computer's web cam and dictates the version of the story told. Check it out for yourself here: http://www.myearthhour.org/lightsoff

The YouTube version has a built in toggle light switch so that you can jump back and forth between the story lines...very cool. i love this idea and the video is really entertaining too.

Diane Birch One Take Music Video

This video from Diane Birch for 'Valentino' directed by Dennis Liu of @radical.media is another great feat in choreography. Though the planning stages had to be extremely complex the end result has almost a sweet low-fi essence to it that reminds me of children performing in front of a tied up sheet for the neighborhood. The reality of the degree of performance couldn't be more different as is evident in the behind the scenes footage where the screen comes down.

Zappos.com - Powered by Puppets...err Real People

How can you not love these new ads for Zappos.com via their new agency of note Boston's own Mullen? Everyone loves some good puppetry, right? and if nothing else the lo-fi aesthetic stands out amongst the flashy car commercials and highly produced sport drink ads while staying making the simple point, Zappos.com has fantastic human customer service.

for those of you interested in some more about the creative process check out this video with thoughts from the creatives at Mullen, directors, character designers, and "zappet-iers."

Jamie Cullum Cry Me a River from the House of Blues

I had the pleasure of seeing Jamie Cullum perform at the House of Blues here in Boston over the weekend. One of the highlights, for me, was his amazing remix of Cry Me a River combining the original song from Ella Fitzgerald and the Justin Timberlake hit with the same name. Being a masshole i have to admit the Aerosmith cover off of Rock and a Hard Place is one of my favorite renditions of the heartbreaking Fitzgerald classic but this one is in tough competition, split into two videos below.



...and in true Two If By See style i have to share the originals for the full effect:

Pirelli Commercial Directed by Kathryn Bigelow

To celebrate the historic wins for Kathryn Bigelow last night at the Oscars I wanted to share her most recent commercial work, this short film starring Uma Thurman and shot by Janusz Kaminski for Pirelli titled, Mission Zero.

and check out this peek behind the scenes for a scope of the production, the stunts, and the special effects.